Wallabies get green in jersey against ABs
The Wallabies will be wearing a specially designed green indigenous jersey against the All Blacks in the third Bledisloe Cup contest on October 21.
The players will wear the jerseys to honour the contribution of indigenous Wallabies.
Kurtley Beale, one of 14 indigenous Australians to have worn the green and gold jersey, was moved to tears when presenting the jersey at a function in Sydney on Monday and said it would be ‘‘unbelievable’’ to wear it in Brisbane for the third test.
‘‘You don’t understand how important it is for myself and the other indigenous players past and present to stand up and be role models for young indigenous kids out there who are aspiring to be professional athletes,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s something that I hold close to my heart and I think it’s a great step forward.’’
He touched down in Sydney on Thursday following a stint with UK Premiership side Wasps.
The 28-year-old is in line to make his Wallabies return on August 19 against New Zealand but after a stint on the sidelines knows he has some stiff competition with Karmichael Hunt and Reece Hodge, who will also come into coach Michael Cheika’s thinking.
Asked what number he would like to wear on the back of a Wallabies jersey, Beale nominated No.12 – inside-centre – as his first preference.
‘‘Being in the [match day] 23 would be awesome but I’ll definitely push my foot forward for that No.12 jersey,’’ Beale said.
‘‘There’s some young talent coming through. Reece Hodge has been amazing filling that spot. Recently, Karmichael Hunt has put up his hand. He’s a very, very talented player with a lot of good skill. His defence is pretty special.
‘‘You’ve got Izzy [Folau] that can play 13 as well, [Tevita] Kuridrani [too]. We’ve got some great talent in those positions. I’m looking forward to battling it out with those guys.’’
After what has been Australian rugby’s toughest-ever year in regards to Super Rugby results, Beale was taking a positive outlook on the whole situation.
He watched from afar the Wallabies managed just six wins from 15 tests last year to go with the Waratahs’ four victories from 15 attempts in Super Rugby this season.
One man who cannot wait for Beale’s return is head coach Daryl Gibson, given the Waratahs have sorely missed Beale’s spark in attack.